Regent University Celebrates Constitution Day 2008

Written by Marta Lee, Associate Librarian

On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. This year marked the 221st anniversary of the Constitution’s ratification and the fourth annual celebration of the event at Regent.

Constitution Day panelistsAs in past years, the University Library, in partnership with the Law Library and the Office of Student Services, presented a faculty symposium in the Library Atrium. A light brunch was provided for sixty attendees and speakers. Program speakers included Dr. Robert Dyer and Dr. Robert Stacey from the Roberson School of Government and Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño from the School of Undergraduate Studies. Director of Student Life Dr. Wendi Santee moderated the program. Vice President Dr. Carlos Campo opened the event in prayer and led the speakers and audience in reciting the Preamble to the Constitution.

The topic for this years’ symposium was “how do the Constitution and Presidential Elections fulfill Abraham Lincoln’s statement that democracy is “government of the people, by the people, for the people?” Dr. Dyer discussed the relationship between voter turnout and citizen participation in the political process with the idea of a government of, by, and for the people. Dr. Moreno-Riaño lectured on Lincoln’s interpretation of the Constitution and how it affected his view of the Civil War. Dr. Moreno-Riaño stated that Lincoln felt the Constitution was designed to support the United States as a perpetual union. Dr. Stacey talked about how modern political campaigns play to voters’ emotions and discourage quiet deliberation. Dr Stacey also discussed the Electoral College and how it has changed over the past 230 years. A lively question and answer session followed the prepared remarks.

The video of this Constitution Day forum is available online at:
http:www.regent.eduadminmediafmslibgeneral